AUBURN - The Auburn Board of Public Works re-hired Ray Luhring as the utility’s general manager with duties that include mentoring and developing an internal employee to fill the general manager position.

Following a 16-minute closed session on Oct. 29, the board voted to terminate Paul Erickson in his probationary period. The board had hired Erickson as general manager 72 days prior.

After a 33-minute closed session, the board voted to re-hire Luhring for one year. His pay will be $10,000 higher than the contract offered to Erickson.

Luhring, who has 45 years experience in the electric industry and has been general manager at several stops including Falls City, will be developing a succession plan for Auburn.

He said the utility is looking for someone who is familiar with the company and has extremely high leadership and communications skills.

He said Auburn has recently completed its wholesale power contracts for electricity, but a focus remains on a long-term water solution. He expects the utility to work on updating its 2021 drought contingency plan.

Luhring described the staff as capable and the board as supportive and forward-thinking.

Luhring: “We are looking for someone who can really carry on what has been accomplished here and put their stamp on it as a leader.”

In other business, Luhring described a cost-share program to provide electric service to a chicken farm.